Florian Kittler has been promoted to Managing Director of HVS Executive Search in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Hong Kong, Florian brings more than 20 years of hotel industry and executive recruitment expertise in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Florian’s career began with a solid hospitality education at the “César Ritz” Hotel & Restaurant Management School in Brig, Switzerland. Prior to joining HVS, Florian headed up the Hospitality & Leisure sector for the executive search firm Comrise in Asia, as well as the PSD Group in China.

 

Mark Keith, who opened the Asia Pacific HVS Executive Search office in 2002, is excited about handing this position over to Florian. He explains, “Florian’s experience in operational management with brands such as Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, and Hyatt provides him with a huge network of leaders, as well as an in-depth understanding of the performance drivers required to succeed in today’s competitive hotel environment.” Mark will remain a partner with HVS and will support the planned expansion across the region.

 

Court Williams, CEO of HVS Executive Search, notes “Under the 15 years of Mark Keith’s leadership, HVS Executive Search has developed a stellar reputation for the highest quality of executive search process and results. Having contributed greatly to our success in the Asia Pacific region, Florian is uniquely qualified to assume leadership as Managing Director of said region as we continue to grow in the marketplace.”

 

Desiree Bonau also joins the HVS Executive Search Hong Kong team as Head of Research & Administration this month. With over 15 years’ involvement in the luxury hospitality industry, Desiree has garnered experience across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Playing key roles in the pre-opening of several hotels, she is familiar with the distinguishing characteristics necessary to create a successful hotel, which fundamentally lies in attracting high quality people. Desiree holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hotel Management from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.